Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Understanding the frequency, length of stay, and costs of inpatient hospitalization for diabetes mellitus (DM) is crucial for effective healthcare planning. This study examines these factors for diabetes-related hospitalisations in Ireland.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using the National Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) database. Non-coded hospitalisations and patients < 1 year were excluded. All ICD-10 hospital admissions with a principal or additional diagnosis of diabetes (E10, E11, E13, E14, O24) in 2022 were included. Hospitalisation rates, length of stay, and costs were analysed by demographic factors, Charlson comorbidity score (0, 1-2, and ≥3), and region. Age-standardised rates were determined using the European Standard Population from 2012.

Results: In 2022, 8.6% of all coded hospitalisations in Ireland (146,362 out of 1,711,564) recorded diabetes as a principal or additional diagnosis, costing C= 601 million. Of the 10,511 hospitalisations with diabetes as the principal diagnosis, 58.5% were due to type 2 diabetes, 28.4% to type 1 diabetes, 12.7% to gestational diabetes, and 0.2% to other or unspecified diabetes. The average length of stay was 4.9 days, increasing from 3.9 to 9.2 days with rising Charlson Comorbidity score. Hospital admissions, length of stay, and costs rose with increasing comorbidity burden. Common complications included kidney, eye, neurological, and circulatory issues. Males had higher complication rates than females: 1.9 times higher for kidney, 1.8 times for eye, 3.6 times for circulatory, and 1.9 times for neurological complications. DM hospitalisation rates were higher in males and increased with age. Rates varied significantly across regions, being lowest in the South West and highest in the Midland region (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus significantly impacts healthcare utilisation and costs in Ireland. Older patients with higher comorbidity burdens have longer hospital stays and higher resource use. Demographic and regional disparities highlight the need for targeted health planning and interventions.